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Brazil’s Defence Chief Downplays Spat With Indonesia

RIO DE JANEIRO – Tensions in Brazil-Indonesia ties will soon be overcome and are unlikely to affect their potential weaponry purchase deal, Brazilian Defense Minister Jacques Wagner (pic) said Tuesday.

There’s no “crisis” between the two nations, said Wagner, adding that the momentary strain in the relationship will not influence Indonesia’s purchase of rocket launchers and 16 fighter jets from Brazil.

Indonesian media, however, reported that the country was reconsidering the purchase after Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff last week postponed accepting the credentials of Indonesia’s new ambassador.

The incident came amid already strained bilateral ties following Indonesia’s execution of a Brazilian national convicted of drug trafficking in January, despite a personal appeal from Rousseff to commute the sentence and extradite the man.

Another Brazilian citizen is awaiting execution for the same charges, and Brazil is again appealing for his life. – Bernama